Day of Sucwentwécw

Day of Sucwentwécw 2025

The First People’s Principles of Learning are incorporated into the content of the BC Curriculum, as are the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action which call us to “integrate Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods into classrooms.”

The Day of Sucwentwécw (Acknowledging One Another) is an annual initiative held on April 7 each year, to recognize and celebrate the Secwépemc People (Secwepemcúl’ecw) and other Indigenous people residing within the Secwépemc Territory.

This year’s theme, "The Bonds of Respect that Bridge Us Together," is based on the First Peoples Principles of Learning and Indigenous Worldviews and Perspectives. This is an opportunity for all schools to continue to embed the First People’s Principles of Learning, and to address the Calls to Action as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The day will be marked with a focus on the concept of gathering and presentations of learning in all district schools. There are a number of resources provided to teachers, including videos, some of which are posted below. 

Jackie Jules - Introducing the Day of Sucwentwécw

How to Say "Day of Sucwentwécw"

Bernice Jensen - Introduction to the Welcome Song

"The Welcome Song is our Secwépemc Song that is sung all over the Secwépemc Nation," said Bernice Jensen, Cultural Education Coordinator with the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society.  "It welcomes all of us; it welcomes the people, welcomes Mother Earth and welcomes our ancestors.  The beat of the drums are the heart beat of the nations coming together strong and powerful.  It’s part of our ceremony and helps us connect to the creator to offer prayers of healing and to give thanks to all.  All My Relations."

Day of Sucwentwécw - Welcome Song

"In addition to our students performing the Welcome Song, our students had an opportunity to dress up in beautiful regalia and moccasins," said Rae Bennett, Indigenous Education Worker. "In the Secwépemc cultures, only certain pieces of regalia were displayed while dancing to the Welcome Song. All the girls wore yokes, long skirts, leggings, moccasins, and accessories. Their hair accessories had feathers and beads that matched their regalia. The boy dancers each wore vests and moccasins. The drummers and singers wore the Secwépemc colours of the medicine wheel - black, white, red, and yellow."

As part of the celebration, a poster contest is held across the District to choose a design that will represent the theme of the year. This year’s poster contest winner is Maddy Arial, a grade 7 student from Bert Edwards Science and Technology School. Their artist statement is below:

I reflected on the animals and the land and how they bridge us together. I thought about the contrast between day and night and how it represents differences, but we are still connected. The meaning of Sucwentwécw is represented by the rivers connecting in the middle. The orange hand in the middle is there to show recognition of all people. I connected animals to the colours of the medicine wheel to show truth and wisdom. Being able to create beautiful things allows me to express myself and connect to my own identity.

Re Nexléw̓sten te sk̓mews - The bridge between two people

Each year the Aboriginal Education Department writes a children's book for schools to use that aligns with the chosen theme. This year, the book is called Re Nexléw̓sten te sk̓mews - The bridge between two people. Story by Michael Bowden, illustrations by Jordan Celesta.

Download Re Nexléw̓sten te sk̓mews - The bridge between two people PDF here.